Djibouti

Introducing Djibouti

Djibouti is a small and easily overlooked country seated on the
rim of Africa's horn - a much frequented pit-stop for vessels
passing in and out of the Red Sea, but not much ventured into by
the average tourist. This is unfortunate because Djibouti has some
rare qualities that abundantly reward the intrepid visitor, with
plenty of adventure sports to try and unusual landscapes to
explore.

Large parts of the country's interior sit within the Afar
Depression, a region lying 500 feet (155m) below sea level that is
rich in ancient fossils and one of the hottest places on Earth,
with temperatures reaching 118°F (48°C). Lake Assal, 75
miles (120km) south of Djibouti City, is the lowest point in Africa
and the water steams at an unswimmable 93°F (34°C). The
pressure underneath fissures around the lake cause fantastic plumes
of steam to hiss out of the surrounding plateau.

Most of the country is desert with no arable land, crops,
irrigation or forest. The interior is mountainous in the centre,
filtering down to the coastal plain on the east and the arid
plateau in the west. Any ventures into the interior have to be
conducted in a 4x4 vehicle. If you want to get out of Djibouti City
but not travel too far, the beaches at Doralé and
Khor-Ambado provide warm waters to swim in and exotic marine life
with which to dive. Two thirds of the 700,000 citizens live in the
capital of Djibouti City, while the rest live just as residents of
the country have for centuries - as nomadic herders.

There is no industry in the city, or the country, but a large
informal market economy thrives. For visitors looking to spend a
few hours in the city, the Central Market, the Stade du Ville
(national stadium), Presidential Palace and Hamouli Mosque are all
worthwhile stops. But getting around is not cheap; the lack of
infrastructure and regulation means that a taxi may overcharge
heavily for a ride. Unlike the country's neighbours Ethiopia and
Eritrea, Djibouti enjoys political stability and a relatively safe
atmosphere. The British Foreign Office advises against all travel
near the border with Eritrea, but otherwise Djibouti is a peaceful
and unique land to visit.

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